Shasta County health officials highlight the importance of vaccines amid awareness month

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Shasta County health officials are reminding people about the importance of getting vaccinated.

With August being Immunization Awareness Month, they said some vaccines to seek out are ones protecting against measles, mumps, the flu, or COVID-19.

Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency representatives told us this applies to adults and kids, especially as students are heading back to the classroom.

“As kids and young adults get ready for the school year, or ready for their college year, they really want to make sure they’re prepared and vaccinated for the big illnesses that could cause them serious health problems,” Shasta County HHSA Community Education Specialist Kimberly Ross said. “A lot of times, these illnesses strike so hard and so fast that we don’t really know what we’re up against.”

She added, “Prevention is the best tool we have to get ahead of that and make sure we’re protected.”

Ross said it’s best to get vaccinated before getting sick.

Parents and young people can make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccines by going to shastashots.com and looking at the vaccine schedule, where you can find recommended vaccinations and the age when you should get them.

Ross told us you can also check in with your doctor to find out more about immunizations.